MEET ASHLEY WILLIAMS - 2023 MISS VIRGINIA USA ®

FEATURED

Apr 13

Photo Credit: Georgina Vaughan Photography

Ashley Williams made history by becoming the first Caribbean-American, with roots in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos Island, to be named Miss Virginia USA. With years of experience as an event coordinator, she works with government contracting executives and is grateful for the opportunity to connect our nation’s leaders. Ashley was able to combine her passion for dance with serving the community by becoming a NFL Cheerleader. Some of her favorite experiences during her three year tenure as a cheerleader include: traveling overseas on USO tours, performing in the 2020 Super Bowl Halftime show alongside J Lo and Shakira, and skydiving with the United States Army Parachute Team. Her goal is to continuously show appreciation for our troops by working with organizations that empower active-duty military and veterans. Earning her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, she is a proud first-generation college graduate, who completed her studies as a student athlete.

CBN: It’s wonderful to meet you! What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

Ashley: This past year as Miss Virginia USA has taught me so much about myself. The personal development skills that I have grown have truly showed me how valuable entering this competition was. I have been impressed with my abilities in public speaking, representing myself in front of large audiences and small, and being an ambassador on social media. This past year has also taught me how to deal with difficulties and obstacles, regardless of efforts to make situations smooth. I am now more prepared for when things don't go my way. I am grateful for what this journey has taught me.

“ I had to remind myself that I put in the work (and then some) and the title that I received was EARNED. I had to remind myself that it was my determination and skill set that landed me here, and it would be a disservice to myself if I neglected that and didn’t own up to the role.”

— Ashley Williams, Miss Virginia USA

CBN: How would you describe your work ethic and where did this come from?

Ashley: My work ethic comes from my parents, as they both moved from the Caribbean to the U.S in their early 20s. The goal was to provide more opportunity for themselves and eventually, our family. They are the hardest working people that I know and not only help provide for me, but their siblings and the rest of our family members who still live in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos. Their hard work led me to becoming a first-generation college graduate, graduating debt-free due to their contributions. I strive to embody their work ethic in everything that I do.

CBN: How do you currently deal with or overcome imposter syndrome?

Ashley: I dealt with imposter syndrome shortly after winning Miss Virginia USA. I spent months looking at photos of other titleholders on social media and wishing that I had the opportunity for myself. After winning, things did not fully settle that I was among the women that I was in such admiration of online. Then I had to remind myself that I put in the work (and then some) and the title that I received was EARNED. I had to remind myself that it was my determination and skill set that landed me here, and it would be a disservice to myself if I neglected that and didn't own up to the role.

We thank you Ashley for sharing your BOLD JOURNEY!

Follow: All social accounts @ashwilllll/